http://www.abbeypumpingstation.org/
0116 299 5111
Abbey Pumping Station is Leicester’s Industrial Museum, displaying Leicester’s varied Industrial, Technological and Scientific heritage.
Located a stones throw away from the National Space Centre, the two attractions tell the story of over 200 years of science and technology from the early days of steam power and industry to the modern space exploration of today!
A perfect day out for young or old, with timed tickets free of charge!
https://www.gorsehillcityfarm.org.uk/home/
0116 253 7582
Visit Gorse Hill Farm with your friends and family and explore over 100 different animals, the outdoor play area, whilst also being able to handle and feed the smaller inhabitants.
Gorse Hill Farm provides a wide range of facilities for visitors, meaning that there really is something for everyone to enjoy – no matter what your age, or why you have chosen to visit us.
Our entire farm is wheelchair accessible and there is a small car park available at the top if you wish to visit by car.
Located in Anstey, this farm is one that will fill you full of laughter and joy! Visit now!
0116 261 5200
Leicester Cathedral is at the heart of our city and county. The Cathedral is built on the site of a Roman temple, it has been embedded in the public, economic, cultural, and religious life of this community since medieval times.
Leicester Cathedral is also the final resting place King Richard III.
Since 1927 as the seat of the Bishop of Leicester, people gather together for worship, celebration, lament, debate and service of the poor and vulnerable. They welcome all faiths and none, go whenever!
https://www.leicestermuseums.org/leicester-guildhall/
Starting with its Great Hall built in about 1390, a tour of Leicester Guildhall will take you through the centuries and many uses of the site.
From its first role as a meeting place for the Guild of Corpus Christi, to a public performance space where even Shakespeare may have acted, to the home of one of the oldest public libraries, the town hall and even a police station.
Today, Leicester Guildhall thrives as a performance venue, attracting acts from across the country and as the home to the Medieval Leicester galleries. Walk the streets of medieval Leicester and uncover a world both familiar and very different to our own!
https://www.forestryengland.uk/hicks-lodge
0300 067 4340
In the heart of the National Forest, Hicks Lodge is a former coal mining site that has been totally transformed by new plantings and exciting trails for you to enjoy.
A great day out for the budding cyclist, from tearaway toddlers to young teens perfecting their skills, they have got a range of trails for beginner to intermediate appetites.
Visit the lakeside bird hide where you can soak in the beautiful scenery and spot some unique wildlife, such as the migratory sand martins. There are also walking and horse-riding paths to explore the forest, a play area and a café!
https://www.visitleicester.info/
01162254900
A family friendly day out, the galleries include Ancient Egypt, Dinosaurs, Wild Space, the Victorian Art Gallery, Arts & Crafts Gallery, Picasso Ceramics: The Attenborough Collection and Leicester’s internationally renowned German Expressionism collection.
The museum welcomes a vast array of temporary exhibitions, featuring works from the collections, touring exhibitions from national museums and a programme of contemporary art and craft displays.
Visit the gift shop to buy a range of exhibition merchandise and contemporary crafts, or pop by the Museum Cafe to recharge with free wi-fi and refreshments!
https://www.visitleicester.info/see-and-do/abbey-park-p707941
Hugging the banks of the River Soar in the north of the city is Abbey Park – a beautiful green space to relax and admire Leicester’s riverside scenery.
The park has a choice of activities to keep the whole family entertained. The boating lake in the centre of the park offers hire of both rowing and pedalo boats – fun for adults and children alike! Heritage lovers will enjoy a stroll around the remains of the twelfth century Leicester Abbey and the ruins of Cavendish House, a 17th century mansion.
https://www.leicestermuseums.org/newarke-houses/
0116 225 4980
Wygston’s Chantry House and Skeffington House were both built around 1511 in the area of Leicester which is now at the heart of De Montfort University campus in the city. Newarke Houses holds the collections of the Leicestershire Regiment in dedicated galleries.
Since 1953 the Museum has brought together a collection of the things which make up people’s everyday lives. Collections of toys from the beginning of the 1500s to the present day, a thought-provoking regimental collection and a recreated First World War trench. We also have a 1950s street scene with its shops and pub where you can hear the stories of people who call Leicester their home.
www.nationalforest.org/visit/activities/thornton-reservoir
01332 865081
Visit Thornton reservoir for instant relaxation!
Take part in bird watching, fishing or just a leisurely stroll! With over 2 miles of stunning views, Thornton is perfect for a family day out, romantic walk or just a relaxing walk with your friends!
There is a small catering facility located inside the Fishing Lodge.
0116 236 2713
Bradgate Park park offers a wild and rugged landscape with dramatic rocky outcrops and gnarled old oak trees, many of which are well over 500 years old. The landscape offers some of the finest views, and is rich in change throughout the seasons.
If you do not fancy exploring the hills, the lower part of the Park is easily accessible, with a tarmac carriage-way running through this area, that is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Our Visitor Centre is in the heart of the Park, [currently closed], alongside the carriage-way at the Deer Barns, where you will also find our Tearoom.
https://le.ac.uk/botanic-garden
0116 271 2933
At the University of Leicester Botanic Garden & Attenborough Arboretum, we focus on global biodiversity. You can see and learn about a wide range of plants that grow in our extensive collections from around the world.
Founded in 1921 with the assistance of the Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society, the University of Leicester Botanic Garden was established on its present site in Oadby in 1947. It comprises the grounds of four houses: Beaumont, Southmeade, The Knoll and Hastings, which were built in the early 1900s and are now used as student residences or for the Garden education programme.
www.leicestermuseums.org/belgrave-hall
0116 229 8181
The tranquil walled gardens, surrounding the Hall, include plants and trees introduced by the Hall’s many owners, including yew trees and wisteria planted by the Ellis family in the mid-1800s.
Check our events page for dates when you can tour the house and wonderful gardens. Don’t miss our special events programme including; children’s activity days, open air theatre and music performances, craft sessions for adults, our annual food and garden festival and thrilling ghost watching events.
www.storyofleicester.info/faith-belief/st-mary-de-castro
St Mary de Castro means St Mary of the Castle, reflecting the church’s origins as a place of worship built within the bailey, of Leicester Castle.
During medieval times, St Mary de Castro would have had great importance and much wealth. It is likely King Richard may even have prayed here the day before setting off to face his enemy at Bosworth.
The Church is a stones throw away from Leicester Castle & Gardens, The Turret Gate and De Montfort University.
www.visitleicester.info/see-and-do/castle-gardens-p708591
Castle Gardens is a peaceful green space beside the Grand Union Canal in Leicester.
The Park is the perfect stop for heritage lovers – set in the heart of the former medieval city, the area around the park includes the Great Hall of Leicester Castle as well the medieval castle motte.
The motte can still be viewed and is accessible by a public footpath and steps from the park. The gardens are the ideal place to amble amongst beautiful flowerbeds and lawn, rest your feet on a bench or enjoy a picnic overlooking the canal.
www.nationalforest.org/visit/attractions/beacon-hill-country-park
0116 3055000
Beacon Hill Country Park, close to Woodhouse Eaves.
Rising to a height of 245m, Beacon Hill is one of the highest points in Leicestershire and boasts spectacular views of Charnwood Forest and the Soar Valley.
Beacon Hill is also the site of a Bronze Age hill fort believed to be up to 3,000 years old.
Visitors can enjoy rock climbing, orienteering, jogging and general exercise or enjoy bird watching and gentle strolls in the peace and quiet.
www.leicscountryparks.org.uk/watermead-visitor-information
0116 454 1003
Watermead Country Park is now a haven for wetland wildlife enjoyed by nature lovers, walkers and families. The Park has fine lake views and woodland walks with good paths and picnic areas.
A life-sized sculpture of a mammoth inspired by the mammoth bones found in the gravel workings is a must see, and so is the statue of King Lear, on “King Lear’s Lake”.
Families visiting the park can enjoy picnics and children can explore the Climate trial, Play area and the Jurassic Play Trail around King Lear’s Lake.
www.visitleicester.info/see-and-do/aylestone-meadows-p708401
01164541003
Aylestone meadows is an important wildlife reserve in the city.
Look out for otters along the river and, during the summer months, a herd of traditional Leicestershire rare breed Longhorn cattle can be found grazing!
Birdwatchers and animal lovers aside, the meadows attracts families and people wanting a quick and accessible escape from city life into a tranquil country paradise.
There are two dedicated play areas for children of all ages along with many spaces that lend themselves to casual open air play activities, and many locations at which you can pond dip.
www.bradgatepark.org/swithland-wood
Swithland Wood covers an area of 170 acres and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and acknowledged as one of the best remnants of native woodland in Leicestershire.
The Wood contains many tree species, principally of mature oak, birch, alder and lime, which support a rich variety of butterflies, moths and birds.
Adjoining the Wood is one of the finest remaining traditional Bluebell & wildflower meadows in Leicestershire.
www.visitleicester.info/see-and-do/victoria-park-p708151
0116 4541003
Victoria Park is a fine green space next to the University of Leicester campus.
The centrepiece of the park is the magnificent memorial arch, built to commemorate the dead of the First World War.
The park has areas of formal flowerbeds as well as winding pathways shaded by avenues of trees– perfect for finding some shade and enjoying a picnic or a good book on a summer’s day.
For more active visitors, the park is home to a bowling green, croquet area, 4 tennis courts, football and rugby pitches, a floodlit astro-pitch and an outdoor gym.
0116 305 3860
Melton Carnegie Museum was in 1905, the building became the town’s museum in 1977.
The Museum has a Changing Places facility, a large meeting room which is available to hire, a small archive which supports local and family history research and an extensive collection of books and records about the history of fox hunting.
The museum galleries are on the ground floor and showcase the history of Melton and the people who have lived and worked here from the Bronze Age to the present day.
www.leicestermuseums.org/jewry-wall
Currently closed for refurbishment.
Jewry Wall Museum, which opened in 1966, is home to one of the UK’s tallest civilian Roman structures, along with the impressive remains of a Roman bathhouse.
The museum closed to the public in 2017, and designs were drawn up for a newer, revamped visitor attraction, housed in both the existing Jewry Wall Museum and adjoining former Vaughan College buildings which the city council bought in 2015.
You can still view the Roman ruins from the sidewalk.